From Present to Past (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 21

(Nadir's POV)

The next day, I woke up and arranged for breakfast before going to wake Erik. I walked up to Erik's room and knocked on the door.

"Yes?" He asked as he opened the door.

"Breakfast and then I want you and Sarah in my study. We have birthday planning to do." I said.

"Whose birthday is it?" He asked.

"Carly's." I replied.

He nodded and smiled slightly. "Congratulations by the way." He said as he walked out of his room.

"Thank you." I said as I walked down to the breakfast table where Sarah and Carly already were.

"Hello everyone." Carly said with a smile.

(Sarah's POV)

Nadir smiled and politely greeted both of us before locking eyes with me and gesturing slightly towards his study. I knitted my eyebrows and mouthed, "Now?" He shook his head and mouthed back, "Later." I nodded and acted like nothing had happened.

Carly looked at me, "Everything alright?"

"Just fine." I said with a smirk. "Let's eat." She nodded and we began to eat.

The meal ended quickly and I looked over at Carly. "Why don't you go play a game of hide and seek with Reza?" I winked at Reza to encourage him to go along.

Reza immediately took off running. "Sure, we'll go play for a bit." She smiled as she ran off after him.

"Enjoy!" I said as Nadir stood up and walked to his study. Erik and I quickly followed.

"We have to make this the best birthday ever." Nadir said as he sat down behind his desk. I sat down in a chair near the desk and Erik stood behind my chair. "That goes without saying. But, how?"

"Well, what is her dream birthday?" He asked. "We'll make it come true."

"Um, probably something to do with her favorite meal and maybe a few nice gifts." I said as I thought on the subject.

He smiled and nodded. "We shall do whatever she wants."

"Sounds great." I said as I leaned back. "Do you have a gift for her?"

"I will be getting her one today." He said with a smile.

"What will it be?" I asked curiously.

"A book." He said, "But, I need you to keep her occupied while I get it."

"No problem. I'm an expert at that." I said with a smirk. "No worries."

"Thank you." He smiled and then stood. "Let's get going with it then."

I nodded and stood up. "Can the cooks make her favorite meal for supper?" I asked. Nadir nodded.

"Of course." He replied. "We can have supper out in the dining room." He said, "And then I'll take her out to the gardens and I'll give her the book then."

"That sounds perfect! And, we'll have spaghetti for supper." I said with a happy grin. "She'll love it!"

He smiled. "I'll go tell the cook our plan."

"Alright, I'll go play hide and seek with Carly and Reza and keep her occupied." I said as I stood up and moved to the door with Erik following me. Erik and I walked out to garden and watched as Carly tried to find Reza.

(Carly's POV)

"Come out, come out wherever you are!" I called out. Soon, I saw Reza trying not to give away his position behind a bush. I peeked behind the bushes. "Found you!"